CORE

Congress of Racial Equality

A national organization with affiliated local groups working to abolish racial discrimination by direct, nonviolent methods

38 Park Row

New York 38, New York

COrtlandt 7-0408

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Roger N. Baldwin

Algernon D. Black

Allan Knight Chalmers

Grenville Clark

Earl B. Dickerson

Eugene E. Frazier

Harold Gibbons

Rabbi Roland B. Gittensohn

Sidney Hollander

E. Stanley Jones

Martin Luther King

Will Maslow

A. J. Muste

A. Philip Randolph

Ira DeA. Reid

Jackie Robinson

Arnold M. Rose

Lillian Smith

Howard Thurman

Goodwin Watson

Jerry Wurf

Charles S. Zimmerman

OFFICERS

Charles R. Oldham, chairman

Henry Hodge, vice chairman

Anna Holden, Secretary

Lula A. Farmer, treasurer

James Peck, CORElator editor

regional representatives

Walter Hayes

George M. Houser

Herbert Kelman

Frank Robinson

Rev. Charles Smith

Earl Walter

STAFF

Gordon R. Carey, field secretary

L. W. Holt Esq., field secretary

James T. McCain, field secretary

Marvin Rich, community relations director

James R. Robinson, executive secretary

April 3, 1960

Mr. and Mrs. M. N. Hamilton

749 South West Avenue 'C'

Belle Glade, Florida

Dear Mr. Mrs. Hamilton:

I want to write you about the very important contribution Patricia and Priscilla Stephens are making to a future of Brotherhood in this country. I know how hard it must be for you to permit these two girls to spend sixty days in a Southern jail. But I feel sure they know what they are doing and why they are doing it.

And it is a most effective demonstration of FAITH in the future of this country. We believe it was no accident that Governor Collins made his statement just after the Tallahassee students refused to pay unjustified fines and went to jail. He could have made his politically dangerous statement at any time before, but it was only the obvious injustice of jailing these extremely orderly students for their beliefs which caused him to speak out in a way that is without precedent for a Southern governor.

I have myself been in jail although never for any significant period. When one goes to jail for a principle, there is a feeling of elation and joy, a conviction that one has done what God would have wanted one to do -- there is usually none of the feelings of being degraded which one gets when jailed for something which is wrong. I have talked at some length with both of your daughters, and I know they have the inner strength to come forth with greater worth after their period in jail. I am sure there is no reason to worry on that score. Also, I feel sure that something can be arranged to make up for any scholastic losses.

I am enclosing a few clippings. They deal with the growth of the Woolworth boycott as well as with Tallahassee. The faith shown in Tallahassee is a major factor in the growing pressure nationally to change Woolworth's policy. The chances are good that we shall win. If so, much of the credit must go to the Stephens sisters. They have the admiration of Jackie Robinson, Harry Belafonte and others.

Also enclosed is a reprint from the Florida State students' paper. Patricia particularly can take much credit for interesting white students in CORE. When Southern whites are willing to be arrested for integration, can victory be far away?

You are courageous parents, and you have our admiration.

Sincerely yours, 

[Signature] James R. Robinson, Exec. Secy.